Gus Bilirakis Bangs the Drums for Vets to Apply for Benefits

With the deadline coming up for veterans and current members of the armed services -- whose time in the military was involuntary extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 -- to file for additional benefits, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis is encouraging them to contact the U.S. Department of Defense. Vets and service members may be eligible for up to $500 for each month of their military extension.

These service members were asked go to above and beyond their original plans for serving our country and I want to make sure they receive all the benefits theyre entitled to, said Bilirakis, who estimated that up to 80,000 service personnel and veterans have not applied.. We must continue supporting and helping our nations heroes.

While the program was to end on Oct. 21, it was extended until Dec. 3. For more information, see here.